The Census has been conducted for scores of years. It is used, basically, to determine size and number of Congressional Districts.
Info gathered is restricted for 72 years.
On a personal note, I have enjoyed looking at past census records and seeing how my family lived, and their occupations in 1920 and 1930. If I live that long, in a few years, I’ll be able to see my first recorded census notation.
I have seen census records for my family in Norway as well.
Do what you want, but understand, there has been a census in this country for many generations.
If you believe the information you supplied is “locked up” for 72 years, I guess you still believe in the Tooth Fairy too! This “locked up” thing is about as solid as the Social Security “Lock Box”.
So of what use is my name, sex, age, home ownership status, etc. to determining congressional districts?
Sadly, we have never had greater reason to doubt the benefits of it's purpose.